New vs. Old

[petepeterson]

I know this isn't breaking news to the folks that frequent this section of the forum, but...

As I get older, I've been shooting a lot more, and am finding things I enjoy more than others regarding different carry pistols. While I don't own a Glock or other "modern" polymer pistol, i do like the ones I've played with. I have a few hundred through a Shield, and a few thousand through a Glock 19 and 42, so it's not a small sample.

I've recently considered moving into the 21st century in terms of a carry gun. I typically carry revolvers during the warmer months here in PA, and most of my auto shooting is done with a Hi-Power or 1911, along with some of the other guns I don't shoot much. I figured I could use the summer to "break in" a new gun, so I would be confident with it by the time Fall rolls around, where I usually tote a 3914 or 915.

The thing that I find interesting is, that while checking out and handling some of the items I'm considering, when I put them side-by-side with my 3914, the "Upgrade" isn't quite as obvious as I expected. There is a weight savings typically, but usually at the cost of a round or two. Most of them (I've been looking hard at the Kahr CM9, due to the trigger, which gives me a better feeling than the Glock or S&W trigger, but I haven't ruled any out) are wider than my 1990s-era pistol, which, along with grip length, are the two most important attributes to concealment for me. The shape of the hammer/striker portion also plays a part. I feel the same way comparing my 915 to a Glock 19.

I also read with interest the threads on the new Sig P365, where their reliability is discussed. Not that I recommend this practice, but I would probably take my chances carrying a "new" 3rd Gen after running a few rounds through it, just based on my experience with them.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but what I'm driving at is that I'm not sure how much carry pistols have improved over the last 30 years. I may still experiment, mostly because it's fun, but I'm not sure I'll be carrying anything "new and improved," ...just new.

 

[Sevens]

Seems quite simply to me that each of us finds our own way and each of us is 100% correct in our conclusions based on what we determine and feel.

My conclusions are simple: modern polymer is perfect for me as a defensive, concealed daily carry gun. Durable, simple operation with no manual safety, accurate enough, reliable, and no emotion towards it if it gets dinged, damp, dropped, smacked, taken in to evidence or stolen when I'm not allowed to carry it.

My favorite handguns are target guns and scarce S&W variants, precision builds and beautiful steel and wood, exactly the attributes that my carry gun has NONE of.

I think it's terrific that many regular posters in these pages put their S&W 1-2-3rd Gens in to defensive service. I do use a 469 occasionally as my "low cost, might get stolen" carry gun when my day is such that carry gun gets locked in the car. Otherwise, for daily on-body carry, it's modern Tupperware for me, and I couldn't choose better than that.

 

[colt_saa]

Aside from the fact that the P227 I carry today holds 4 more rounds than the P220 I began carrying in 1977, nothing of SIGnificance has changed . . . and I Like it That way

I can even use the same leather

The good things are that the new one has an American magazine release and the slide is dovetailed for easy sight change to Tritium.

I could care less that the new one has a rail

 

[ISCS Yoda]

It's all choices and compromises. I don't care for polymer handguns, but I have a couple of Walther P-22s because they're fun. I sold my SIG SP-2022 because I preferred my 6906. It's just a matter of taste and what works for you. My first choice is a K frame snubbie but I have been carrying a M649 in my pocket for two weeks. Just in the mood for it and I have been too lazy to retrieve a 9mm or K frame .38 from the safe.

 

[nocents]

I maintain a foot in 2 centuries.....my daily ccw 3913NL now shares carry time with an HK 45c...both have hammers..both have decocker/safeties...both are TDA....both sport Stoner 415 IWB...I like change.....just not too much.................................................................................................

 

[BAM-BAM]

Materials have changed ...... maybe save a couple of ozs. Striker fired well ....LOL that take it back to the early 20th century............

Tried a few Glocks over the years..... have a M&P 9 with a weapon light in the bedroom safe........ feels good in the hand. Couple of M&P compact .22s fun guns..... and of course a 15-22.

But for the most part I settled in with 3rd Gen Smiths ( mostly 39xx,69xx and 915s), Sig P-series for my .45 needs..... and Beretta 92s 9mm (
198? pre- dating the 3rd Gen Smiths) in the early to mid-90s

My Dad had 3 basic 'Duty guns" over a 39 year as a Patrolman to Captain to Retirement in 1977 .. a 6" .357 Colt New Service (1938), 4" M&P .38 (1946) and a Colt DS early mid -50s........often wondered why he never bought "new" stuff............... now I know......

New is just new ....... doesn't make it better...... just new! Find what fits you and suits your needs and stick with it. Just look at a Wild Bill Hickok and his 1851 Navy .36 caliber cap and ball Colts.........

oh ya.......and............ remember to always sit with your back to the wall; where you can see the door !!!!!!

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

Now living exclusively in the context of "civilian ccw self-defense", the most common ccw pieces for me these days are a couple of lightweights, a S&W 342PD in my right front pocket, and Shield 9mm at 4'clock with spare mag in support side pocket. I suppose that qualifies as something old/something new.

 

[petepeterson]

My conclusions are simple: modern polymer is perfect for me as a defensive, concealed daily carry gun. Durable, simple operation with no manual safety, accurate enough, reliable, and no emotion towards it if it gets dinged, damp, dropped, smacked, taken in to evidence or stolen when I'm not allowed to carry it.

I agree with this concept, but in my case, the two 3rd Gens I carry are probably my two least valuable handguns, or close to it (I sold a few pristine examples, and kept my boxed 39-2 and 59). I was comparing the actual physical characteristics, and even leaving the "emotional" attachment out of it, the 3914 (and a CS might be an even better example) holds up very well 30 yrs later.
Maybe I'm trying to talk myself out of modernizing...

 

[SOTVEN]

Materials have changed ...... maybe save a couple of ozs. Striker fired well ....LOL that take it back to the early 20th century............

Tried a few Glocks over the years..... have a M&P 9 with a weapon light in the bedroom safe........ feels good in the hand. Couple of M&P compact .22s fun guns..... and of course a 15-22.

But for the most part I settled in with 3rd Gen Smiths ( mostly 39xx,69xx and 915s), Sig P-series for my .45 needs..... and Beretta 92s 9mm (
198? pre- dating the 3rd Gen Smiths) in the early to mid-90s

My Dad had 3 basic 'Duty guns" over a 39 year as a Patrolman to Captain to Retirement in 1977 .. a 6" .357 Colt New Service (1938), 4" M&P .38 (1946) and a Colt DS early mid -50s........often wondered why he never bought "new" stuff............... now I know......

New is just new ....... doesn't make it better...... just new! Find what fits you and suits your needs and stick with it. Just look at a Wild Bill Hickok and his 1851 Navy .36 caliber cap and ball Colts.........

oh ya.......and............ remember to always sit with your back to the wall; where you can see the door !!!!!!

Oh, soooooo true!!! Especially the strike fired history part

 

[Sevens]

I agree with this concept, but in my case, the two 3rd Gens I carry are probably my two least valuable handguns, or close to it (I sold a few pristine examples, and kept my boxed 39-2 and 59). I was comparing the actual physical characteristics, and even leaving the "emotional" attachment out of it, the 3914 (and a CS might be an even better example) holds up very well 30 yrs later.
Maybe I'm trying to talk myself out of modernizing...

As did I with my S&W 469. It's a fine handgun, works with no fail, I'm obviously quite familiar with it's method of operation and it's not pretty, rare or collectible. I paid low money for it, I'm prepared for the loss if it gets stolen.

It's not my first choice as a defensive handgun, but it fills the role of secondary.

If the laws were such that I could absolutely carry every where I were able to go (if I were LEO...) then I'm sure I would sell the 469 as I wouldn't need it.

 

[BC38]

My EDC has become a tupperware LC9. It is small, flat, light, concealable, and has been 100% reliable. It's finish is showing a lot of wear that doesn't bother me a bit, but WOULD probably bother me a LOT on any of my blued steel and wood guns. I shoot it well, and if it ended up in an evidence locker I wouldn't be out much or lament it much. I'd just pick up another one. Purely a tool. Just what I want for EDC.

 

[Barrie]

If we could carry up here in Canada which we don't. Less mess on the sidewalks this way. I would carry my 9mm Berrata FS92. Tricked rod and spring, favolous trigger and adj rear sights. For me the perfect shooter but with no need for carry.

 

[spad124]

I like wood and blue steel for my handguns and have a few with those features. But for SD I prefer either my SD9VE or my ex Aussie finish challenged Model 10. Both are reliable and accurate. And a few cosmetic issues won’t matter

 

[mrmike7189]

If we could carry up here in Canada which we don't. Less mess on the sidewalks this way. I would carry my 9mm Berrata FS92. Tricked rod and spring, favolous trigger and adj rear sights. For me the perfect shooter but with no need for carry.

Yeah .....no need to carry in the great north, the streets are safe.
no criminals as far as the eye can see! just beautiful people...News flash" there is crime in Canada"....being able to carry a gun is what makes america great!